PLCopen is launching a new initiative in the motion control working group to extend the specifications to fluid power, which kicked off in Frankfurt, Germany, at the end of June. The initial goal is to optimizing programming and integration of fluid power devices and systems by defining function blocks employing PLCopen standardization and modular methodology.

PLCopen is a non-profit industry organization dedicated to improving the programming efficiency of control and automation engineer s by providing information, training, and fostering communications between users, vendors, educators and others

For the basic function blocks, a five-steps process will be used:

1. Review current V1.0 Motion Function Blocks
2. Identify those usable by fluid power in current form
3. Define fluid power extensions to current format needed to make remainder usable
4. Identify additional base functionality unique to fluid power
5. Define Function Blocks unique to fluid power "

For algorithmic and application levels, there can be guidelines and best practice descriptions that will facilitate implementation of more elemental components. "

The primary goal, the organization says, is to level restrictions to market response and provide integrators with the option to apply the best technology to a given problem without regard to specific technology constructs. Standardized interfaces will allow cross-pollination from electrical and fluid power resource pools and drive best of breed solution configuration. "

As a rough timetable the initial idea is the following:

• Evaluate current Function Blocks - 2 months
• Proposals for extensions - 6 months
• First proposal of set of Function Blocks for Fluid Power within 1 year "
www.plcopen-na.org